In a bid to foster a culture of transparency and legal adherence among the populace, the Rivers State Mega Region of the Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries (MFM) recently hosted a comprehensive public seminar. The event, which drew a large crowd of entrepreneurs, professionals, and residents to the state capital, was designed to pull back the curtain on Nigeria’s evolving tax landscape, specifically focusing on the new tax laws and their direct impact on the common man and corporate entities alike.
The seminar was organized under the church’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) platform. According to the organizers, the goal was not just to preach spiritual growth but to ensure that members of the public are well-equipped with the knowledge needed to survive and thrive within the legal framework of the Nigerian economy. This initiative allowed participants to engage directly with seasoned tax consultants, legal experts, and representatives from government agencies responsible for implementing the new fiscal policies.
Opening the event with a warm welcome address, the Mega Senior Regional Overseer of MFM, Pastor Olawole Dahunsi, stated that the ministry has always been a proponent of national development through lawful conduct. He noted that the church believes in total man development, which includes being a responsible citizen. Pastor Dahunsi explained that the ministry is a law-abiding institution that consistently teaches its members to respect the authorities and the laws of the land. He emphasized that by understanding the tax laws, the people of Rivers State can become agents of positive change and avoid the pitfalls of legal defaults that often cripple small businesses.
The technical sessions of the seminar were deeply rooted in the practicalities of the current Nigerian economic climate. Experts took turns to break down complex legal jargon into simple English for the benefit of the attendees. The discussions covered a wide range of topics, including the analysis of the new tax law, the specific benefits and opportunities it offers to startups, and the strict compliance requirements now expected by the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) and the Rivers State Internal Revenue Service (RIRS). There were also detailed presentations on Company Income Tax (CIT), capital market operations, and how the new regulations affect the everyday Nigerian earning a living in both the formal and informal sectors.
One of the lead speakers at the event, a renowned tax consultant, Mr. Kola Bamiwuye, placed a heavy emphasis on the necessity of the Tax Identification Number (TIN). He told the gathering that the era of “hiding” income is gradually coming to an end as the system becomes more integrated. Mr. Bamiwuye explained that every Nigerian, whether they are earning a steady salary or receiving unearned income from investments, must have a TIN. He further advised business owners to ensure they are registered with pension fund administrators to protect the future of their employees, as this is now a critical part of corporate compliance.
Adding a modern twist to the conversation, the Lead Consultant of Clarylife Global, Mr. Simeon Taiwo, spoke extensively on the 2026 tax reforms as they relate to the digital economy. He pointed out that many young Nigerians in Rivers State and beyond are now “digital earners” who make money through online freelancing, foreign remote jobs, and digital assets like cryptocurrency. Mr. Taiwo clarified that under the new framework, these foreign-sourced salaries and digital proceeds are now captured. He warned that “ignorance of the law is not an excuse,” urging freelancers and tech enthusiasts to keep meticulous records of their transactions and register for their TIN to avoid heavy penalties and bank account restrictions.
The seminar also featured representatives from the Rivers State Internal Revenue Service and experts in business registration. They took the time to explain the Pay-As-You-Earn (PAYE) system, outlining who is eligible for tax exemptions and how small businesses can benefit from certain government incentives. A major highlight was the session on the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), where speakers stressed that it is not enough to simply register a business name; owners must maintain an “active” status by filing annual returns to prevent their companies from being delisted.
The event wrapped up with a very lively question-and-answer session. Participants asked pointed questions about double taxation, the difficulties of navigating government portals, and the fairness of taxing small-scale traders. The experts provided clarity, reassuring the public that the new laws are intended to streamline the system rather than frustrate honest citizens. The organizers concluded that the seminar is part of an ongoing commitment by MFM to empower the people of Rivers State with the practical tools needed for economic independence and total legal compliance.
